Liquid product vaporizing apparatus for an air deodorizing system

ABSTRACT

A liquid product vaporizing apparatus for an air deodorizing system includes an air inlet port for drawing a stream of air into the system and directing the stream of air into a vaporization chamber. An atomizing nozzle sprays a mist of liquid deodorant from a liquid reservoir into the vaporization chamber as the stream of air flows through the vaporization chamber. Much of the atomized liquid deodorant vaporizes within the vaporization chamber. The vaporized particles of liquid deodorant mix with the stream of air flowing through the vaporization chamber to form a stream of treated air. Other particles of liquid deodorant condense and coalesce on the sidewall of the vaporization chamber and are drawn by gravity toward the liquid product reservoir so they may be re-sprayed from the atomizing nozzle. The treated air exits the vaporization chamber and is directed through distribution pipes to a plurality of vapor distribution ports. The treated air flows out of the vapor distribution ports and mixes with a malodor produced from industrial or other activity, such as a waste-water treatment plant. Mixing of the treated air with the malodor effectively neutralizes the malodor and makes the malodorous activity more tolerable to human life.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/224,647, filed Dec. 31, 1998 abandoned, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/070,357, filed Jan. 2,1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of odor control.More specifically, the present invention relates to the vaporization ofodor neutralizing products and the transfer of such vaporized productsto malodorous areas for masking and elimination of malodors.

2. Related Art

Air pollution is of great concern to the modem world. Pollution of theair is characterized by offensive odors and/or toxic fumes that are anuisance to humans living near or traveling through the polluted areas(both offensive odors and gases with other polluting or negativeproperties such as toxicity are hereinafter referred to as “malodors”).Unfortunately, air pollution is often the result of an activity deemedvaluable to our modern world. Examples of valuable activities thatproduce malodors include sewage and wastewater treatment, chemicalmanufacturing, agricultural and livestock fanning, waste incineration,and petroleum refinement. Rather than completely eliminate thesevaluable endeavors, society has decided to simply control or regulatethe malodors produced from many air polluting activities, therebyretaining the benefit from the activities while greatly reducing thenegative effects upon human life.

Scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators have been used in manymalodorous systems to control pollution released into the open air.Scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators achieve pollution control byremoving odors and other polluting impurities from system exhaust gasstreams. In a scrubber system, exhaust gasses containing odorousparticles such as sulfides are introduced to a precipitant such assulfuric acid. Introduction of the odorous particles to the precipitantcauses the odorous particles to bond with the precipitant and form asolid precipitate. The solid precipitate particles fall from the exhaustgas to the floor of the scrubber where they may be easily removed. Bycausing the odorous particles to fall to the floor of the scrubber,malodors are removed from the exhaust gas stream.

Similarly, electrostatic precipitators remove liquid or solid pollutionparticles suspended in an exhaust gas by ionizing the suspendedparticles and subjecting the charged particles to an electrode. Theionized particles are attracted to the electrode, where they arecaptured and removed from the exhaust gas, thus removing the malodorfrom the exhaust gas stream.

Unfortunately, scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators are generallylimited to industrial activities because they can not be used to controlmalodors that are not contained within an exhaust gas stream of a closedsystem. Examples of systems where malodors are not contained within anexhaust gas stream include sewage pits, garbage dumps, and pig farms.Furthermore, there are some industrial systems that produce malodorousexhaust gasses which are difficult for scrubbers and electrostaticprecipitators to control because of ineffective precipitants orionization techniques.

Another method of controlling malodors involves masking the malodor witha pleasant aromatic liquid or neutralizing the malodor with an enzyme orcatalyst. One method which has been suggested uses a distribution systemincluding at least one vapor delivery air duct having a longitudinalseries of vapor release ports extending over and around an odor sourcesuch a sewage treatment tank or a garbage dump. A blower pumps a streamof vapor-laden air through the duct and out of the release ports.Deodorizing liquid product is pumped to the system through an atomizingnozzle or a copper tube having a plurality of holes which release minutedroplets of the deodorizing liquid product into the air stream. Theliquid product is vaporized to some extent by the impact of the airstream on the droplets. Liquid product that is not vaporized is lost asthe droplets fall out of the air stream and through holes located in theair duct or distribution pipes. A typical problem with this type ofsystem is that vaporization of the liquid product is highly inefficient.Testing has shown that, under the best of conditions, only about 28percent of the liquid product sprayed out of the atomizing nozzle orcopper tube is vaporized and used by the system. A considerable amountof the remaining liquid product is often blocked from exiting the airduct, and the inefficiency of the system is compounded because theaccumulated liquid product in the duct obstructs air flow.

Another distribution system vaporizes liquid deodorizing product bybubbling air through the liquid product. This bubbling action causes avapor to rise from the liquid product. The vapor rising from the liquidproduct is passed to the air duct where it is eventually delivered tothe malodor area. Because the system does not utilize an atomizingnozzle, liquid product is not sprayed into the air duct and nocollection of liquid product occurs within the air duct. Nevertheless,this system is not effective for several malodorous applications becausethe bubbling system does not readily vaporize a sufficient quantity ofcertain deodorizing products and consequently is incapable of deliveringsufficient quantities of the deodorizing product to an odor source toovercome the malodor.

Still other systems are designed to deliver liquid deodorant mist to amalodor area by the use of many nozzles in a multiple cluster system. Inthese systems, each nozzle directly distributes a spray mist of theliquid deodorant product into the malodor source. An example of such asystem has been employed in a 100 ton per hour asphalt plant in GrandRapids, Mich. where multiple nozzles spray liquid deodorant directlyinto a pollution containing stack to control the odor emanating from thestack. These types of open air spray systems tend to be very inefficientbecause much of the liquid deodorant is lost as it falls to the groundand does not vaporize and mix with the malodor. Additionally, themultiple nozzles used in these systems are costly and difficult tomaintain. There is a tendency for the nozzles in these systems to clogor plug and deliver inconsistent rates of product to the malodorousarea.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to overcomemany of the above deficiencies by efficient vaporization of liquiddeodorant products and delivery of such vaporized products to amalodorous area without significant loss of the liquid deodorantproducts.

Another object of the present invention is to efficiently vaporize avast array of liquid deodorizing products for delivery to a wide rangeof odor producing areas.

It is another object of this invention to provide a deodorizing systemthat is simple to install, reliable, easy to operate and maintain andcompetitively priced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective when utilizing odor neutralizing chemicals is toprovide for complete mixing of the odor neutralizing chemicals with themalodors, thus forcing a chemical reaction between the malodors and theneutralizing chemicals. To accomplish this, the present inventionefficiently vaporizes odor-neutralizing liquid deodorants anddistributes the vaporized deodorants into malodorous areas where thevaporized deodorants are readily mixed with the malodors to neutralizethe malodors or otherwise render them harmless.

The invention comprises an inlet channel, a vaporization chamber, an airblower, and distribution pipes. Fresh ambient air is drawn into thesystem and through the inlet channel by the air blower, thus creating astream of air flowing through the system. The stream of air is directedto the vaporization chamber where an atomizing nozzle sprays atomizedliquid product into the vaporization chamber. Within the vaporizationchamber, the atomized liquid product is vaporized and becomes entrainedin the air stream flowing through the chamber, making the air stream a“treated” air stream. The treated air stream then flows throughdistribution pipes to a plurality of vapor release ports which allow thetreated air to be released into the malodorous area.

The atomizing nozzle includes a tip for spraying atomized liquiddeodorant from the nozzle and into the air stream. The atomizing nozzlereceives a stream of pressurized air from an air pump and a stream ofliquid deodorant from a liquid reservoir. The liquid deodorant mayeither be pulled from the liquid reservoir under a vacuum created by theatomizing nozzle (e.g., a siphoning nozzle), or it may be pumped intothe atomizing nozzle by means of a metering pump which delivers productto the atomizing nozzle at a precise rate. The force of the air beingpushed through the nozzle by the air pump causes the liquid deodorant tobe atomized as it exits the atomizing nozzle.

Release of the liquid deodorant from the atomizing nozzle results in avery fine mist of minute droplets generally in the approximate range ofbetween 20 and 50 microns and even smaller. Air pressure to theatomizing nozzle may be increased or decreased to adjust the size ofliquid deodorant particles leaving the nozzle. As the air pressureincreases, the size of liquid deodorant particles decrease, andvice-versa. As the mist is injected into the vaporization chamber, it isbelieved that many of the minute droplets vaporize immediately, possiblydue in part to a lower pressure upon the particles upon leaving theatomizing nozzle and entering the vaporization chamber.

The vaporization chamber includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, aswell as a chamber inlet and outlet to allow the air stream to flowthrough the chamber. The size of the vaporization chamber will varydepending upon the required output of the siphoning or spray nozzle.Larger vaporization chambers will be required for treatment applicationsrequiring a greater rate of liquid deodorant delivery to the malodorousarea. It is believed that the liquid-in-gas dispersion formed within thevaporization chamber is such that many of the fine liquid particles ofdeodorizer product stay in suspension and readily evaporate, or“vaporize”, their state changing from a liquid to a gas. Most of thelarger and heavier liquid particles coalesce, condense and collect onthe vaporization chamber walls or fall to the vaporization chamberfloor. This larger liquid particle separation may be enhanced byproviding a change in direction of the air stream or by providing avaporization chamber having a closed end, i.e., an end having no chamberinlet or outlet. The excess liquid deodorant collected on thevaporization chamber walls is returned by gravity to the liquidreservoir. To this end the vaporization chamber is generally slopedtoward the liquid reservoir so that liquid deodorant flows down thewalls of the vaporization chamber and into the liquid reservoir.Accordingly, a large percentage of un-vaporized liquid deodorant isremoved from the air stream by the vaporization chamber and returned tothe liquid reservoir for re-use, thus minimizing the loss of liquiddeodorant downstream from the nozzle, and increasing the efficiency ofthe system.

After leaving the vaporization chamber, the treated air stream (i.e.untreated air and vaporized deodorant) is routed through air ducts tothe air blower. The air blower not only draws untreated air through thesystem, but also forces the treated air through the distribution pipes.The distribution pipes carry the treated air to various vapor releaseports which distribute the treated air into or around odor producingareas. The treated air contains sufficient vapors to overcome and/orneutralize existing offensive odors in the malodorous area.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for more efficientvaporization of liquid deodorants and more effective delivery of thedeodorants in vapor form to malodorous areas without significant loss ofthe liquid deodorant.

Additionally, the present invention provides for vaporization of a widerange of liquid deodorants for delivery to various malodorous areas.

Furthermore, because of its relatively simple design, the presentinvention provides an air deodorizing system that is simple to install,reliable, easy to operate and maintain, and is competitively priced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a plan view for the liquid product vaporizing apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an exterior perspective view of a vaporization chamber;

FIG. 3 shows an elevational side view of the vaporization chamber;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional side view of the vaporization chamber;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the liquid product vaporizingapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the liquidproduct vaporizing apparatus having a vertical vaporization chamber;

FIG. 7 shows an exterior perspective view of the vertical vaporizationchamber;

FIG. 8 shows a sectional side view of the vertical vaporization chamberincluding a nozzle for connection to a metering pump for liquiddeodorant transfer;

FIG. 9 shows a sectional side view of the vertical chamber including asiphoning nozzle for liquid deodorant transfer;

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the liquid product vaporizing apparatusaccording to the present invention having a vertical vaporizationchamber;

FIG. 11 is a chart showing the amount of liquid deodorant that may bevaporized at various temperatures and humidities at a particular airflow rate;

FIG. 12 is a chart showing the amount of liquid deodorant that may bevaporized at various temperatures and humidities at another air flowrate;

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the amount of liquid deodorant that may bevaporized at various temperatures and humidities at still another airflow rate;

FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the liquid product vaporizingapparatus using the shear method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a vapor distribution system 10 is disclosed foruse in treating malodorous areas 5 with a deodorant, bacterialdigestant, or other such odor controlling compounds or products(referred to herein as “liquid deodorants”). The vapor distributionsystem 10 comprises an air intake port 12, a treatment chamber 14, avaporization chamber 16, an air duct 17, a pressure blower 18, and atleast one distribution pipe 20 for treated air. Operation of the blower18 draws ambient fresh air into the air intake port 12 and creates anair stream within the system 10. The air stream flows through thetreatment chamber 14 where a liquid deodorant is introduced into the airstream as a mist by a nozzle 22, which sprays the mist into thevaporization chamber 16. As the air stream moves through thevaporization chamber 16, the liquid deodorant is vaporized and dispersedinto the air stream. The air stream containing vaporized deodorant isthen passed though the pressure blower 18 and forced through thedistribution pipes 20. The vapor distribution pipes include a series ofvapor release ports 26 for delivery of the vaporized deodorant to amalodorous area.

The air intake port 12 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or stainlesssteel material and includes a receiving end 11 and a chamber end 13. Anair filter 28 may be incorporated on the receiving end 11 of the airintake port 12 upstream of the treatment chamber 14 for removing debrisand other particles from the air stream. The air filter 28 helps to keepthe vapor distribution system clean and free of solid objects that mayenter any of the various chambers and pipes of the vapor distributionsystem 10 and clog or otherwise cause problems within the system,particularly at the release ports 26. The chamber end 13 of the airintake port 12 is connected to the treatment chamber.

The treatment chamber 14 is made of stainless steel or PVC and includesa housing 30 and a liquid deodorant reservoir 32. The housing includes avessel bottom wall 34, a vessel side wall 36 sealingly joined to vesselbottom wall 34, and a vessel lid 38. The lid 38 is positioned over thehousing to provide access to the liquid deodorant reservoir from the topof the treatment chamber. The lid 38 is preferably mounted on hinges 40and has a handle to provide easier access to the deodorant reservoir.The side wall 36 further includes a drain spigot 42 for draining liquiddeodorant from the reservoir, a liquid supply line (not shown) forfeeding liquid to the reservoir, an air supply line 46 entrance forfeeding pressurized air into the treatment chamber, and a deodorantsupply tube entrance for feeding concentrated liquid deodorant into thereservoir. A treatment chamber entrance 50 and a vaporization chamberinlet 52, or intake port, are also formed in side wall 36 to allow theair stream to pass through the treatment chamber 14 and into thevaporization chamber 16.

A quantity of liquid deodorant is retained within the liquid deodorantreservoir 32, having an upper liquid surface line 33 locatedsubstantially below the treatment chamber entrance 50 and vaporizationchamber inlet 52. The liquid deodorant used for delivery to themalodorous area is either a liquid masking agent or a liquid odorneutralizing agent. Examples of such agents include MAXIM SP 798 enzymefortified bacterial digestant I deodorant manufactured by Midlab, Inc.of Sweetwater, Tenn., and ECOSORB® natural odor control manufactured byOdor Management, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. A preferred neutralizingagent is one including enzymes and a catalyst, which biologically reactswith odor-causing molecules such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, andwhich attacks various odor-producing microbes. The liquid deodorant isretained in a supply vessel such as a fifty-five gallon drum, fivegallon bucket or one gallon jug.

A product maintenance device 54 keeps the deodorant level substantiallyconstant at the upper liquid surface line 33. The product maintenancedevice is controlled by a float 56 and electric switch system whichautomatically operates an electric supply line valve to maintain theliquid in the reservoir at a desired level. When the supply line valveis opened, water flows into the reservoir through a liquid supply line(not shown). As the water flows into the reservoir, concentrated liquiddeodorant is proportionally siphoned from the supply vessel anddelivered to the reservoir through the supply tube 48. Accordingly, theproduct maintenance device not only acts as a liquid level control forthe liquid deodorant within the reservoir, but also properly delivers adesired concentration of the liquid deodorant to the deodorantreservoir. The proportion of water to liquid deodorant within theproduct reservoir is generally selected between 1:1 and 99:1. Should thedesired concentration of liquid deodorant change, an inlet orifice onthe product maintenance device may be removed and a new inlet orificemay be inserted which delivers the desired concentration of liquiddeodorant to the deodorant reservoir.

In addition to the product maintenance device, the treatment chamber mayalso be equipped with other maintenance devices such as a thermometerand/or a heater 58. The thermometer and heater combination may bedesired for outdoor applications of the vapor distribution system wherefreezing of the liquid deodorant reservoir is a concern.

The nozzle 22 is positioned within the liquid deodorant reservoir at aprescribed height above the upper liquid surface line. The nozzleincludes a tip, or nozzle release point 23, positioned to spray throughthe chamber opening in the same direction as the air stream and directlyinto the vaporization chamber. The nozzle 22 is fed with pressurized airfrom the air supply line 46, which is joined to an air pump locatedoutside of the treatment chamber 14. The nozzle uses the pressurized airto distribute tiny particles of the liquid deodorant from the nozzle tip23.

Pressurized air flowing through the siphoning nozzle may also be used tosiphon liquid deodorant from the deodorant reservoir through a siphontube 60 which extends from the nozzle to below the upper liquid surfaceline. Alternatively, the nozzle may receive liquid deodorant through apump tube, which is used along with a metering pump to distribute liquiddeodorant to the nozzle at a precise rate. A deodorant filter is locatedwithin the siphon tube or pump tube to remove solid particles of liquiddeodorant that may clog the nozzle. After passing through the deodorantfilter, the liquid deodorant is sprayed from the nozzle 22 as a mistinto the air stream.

If a siphoning nozzle is used, several factors will control the amountof liquid deodorant that is distributed to the vaporization chamber fromthe nozzle. First, the amount of liquid deodorant sprayed from thenozzle is dependent upon the type and model of nozzle 22. Larger nozzleswill generally siphon liquid deodorizer from the product reservoir at afaster rate than smaller nozzles, therefore injecting more liquiddeodorizer into the vaporization chamber. Second, the amount of liquiddeodorant distributed to the vaporization chamber is dependent upon theamount of pressure produced by the air pump and delivered to the nozzle.Greater air pressure applied to the nozzle will cause a greater amountof liquid deodorizer to be sprayed from the nozzle and into thevaporization chamber. Third, the amount of liquid deodorant provided isdependent upon the distance between the nozzle 22 and the upper liquidsurface line 33 of the product reservoir. The closer the nozzle is tothe upper liquid surface line, the more deodorant will be distributedfrom the nozzle. Fourth, the greater the concentration of the liquiddeodorant contained in the product reservoir the greater the amount ofliquid deodorant that will be provided to the vaporization chamber. Ofcourse, if a single nozzle is not capable of providing a sufficientamount of liquid deodorant to the vaporization chamber, multiple nozzlesmay be used.

As an example of the above, consider a particular siphoning nozzle where20 psi of air pressure is applied to the nozzle which is positioned 12″above the upper liquid deodorant surface line and the nozzle sprays 0.33gallon per hour of liquid deodorant into the vaporization chamber. Ifthe air pressure is increased, the flow rate of the liquid deodorantwill also increase. If the prescribed height above the upper liquiddeodorant surface is increased, the flow rate of the liquid deodorantwill decrease.

The nozzle 22 is easily accessible though the lid 38 of the treatmentchamber 14. Accordingly, the nozzle may be easily replaced should aproblem arise with the nozzle. Preferably the nozzle is self-cleaning toavoid complete replacement of the nozzle. Self cleaning nozzlestypically provide for easy cleaning with an automatic blast of air thatis activated periodically by the nozzle itself or by manual depressionof a cleaning button. An example of a preferred siphoning nozzle for usewith the vapor distribution system is the DELEVAN® ¼ ALX-07 airatomizing series spray nozzle. Of course, other brands ofatomizing/siphoning nozzles may be appropriate for use in the presentinvention.

The vaporization chamber is made of stainless steel or other suitablematerial such as PVC and comprises a chamber floor 62, a side wall 64, achamber ceiling 66 and a chamber outlet 52. The chamber floor 62 isintegral with the bottom of the chamber inlet 52 at a proximate end ofthe chamber floor 62 and is inclined upward toward a distal end of thefloor 62. Because the chamber floor 62 is inclined, the chamber floorprovides a liquid deodorant recovery means which returns un-vaporizedliquid deodorant to the deodorant reservoir through the chamber opening.The chamber outlet 52 is located on a distal end of the chamber ceilingfrom the treatment chamber 14. The chamber inlet 52 is situated on theside wall 64 and connects the treatment chamber 14 to the vaporizationchamber 16.

The vaporization chamber 16 is designed to provide sufficient time andspace for the liquid deodorant mist to be vaporized within thevaporization chamber before exiting the vaporization chamber. In otherwords, the vaporization chamber must be of sufficient size to containthe mixture of air and liquid deodorant mist for a sufficient time formuch of the liquid deodorant mist to vaporize before exiting thevaporization chamber. Accordingly, the volumetric size of thevaporization chamber is dependent upon several factors including type ofliquid deodorant to be vaporized, the flow rate of the air stream withinthe system, and gallons per hour of deodorant to be vaporized. In onevapor distribution system that has been operated successfully, an airstream flow rate of 800 c.f.m. required a 1′×1′×4′ vaporization chamberto vaporize and deliver 0.3 gallons per hour of deodorant. Forvaporizing and delivering 1 gallon per hour of deodorant at the sameflow rate, a vaporization chamber having a 16 inch square cross sectionand a length of 6 feet was required. The diameter of the vaporizationchamber air stream exit is typically 6 inches in diameter, but this mayalso vary according to the size of the vaporization chamber and job tobe performed.

The air stream exit to the vaporization chamber leads through a portionof air duct 17 to a pressure blower 18. The portion of air duct 17extending from the air stream exit is typically smaller than the widthor diameter of the vaporization chamber and generally the same diameteras the air stream exit. A typical air duct 17 may be 6″ in diameter andcomprised of PVC, stainless steel, or other material suitable forchanneling of the air stream.

The pressure blower 18 comprises an air input side, an air output side,and a large fan, wheel, or other air moving device. The pressure blowercauses air to be drawn to the air input side and exhausted from the airoutput side. This movement of air through the fan results in an airstream flow rate, which may be measured in cubic feet per minute(c.f.m.). Typical air stream flow rates for the vapor distributionsystem 10 are between 600 and 2000 c.f.m. The blower 18 is preferably aradial wheel or high pressure blower such as that produced by NEW YORKBLOWER. The blower 18 may be driven by either a diesel engine or anelectric motor.

A plurality of distribution pipes are connected to the air output sideof the pressure blower. The distribution pipes are generally composed ofPVC or similar corrosion resistant material. The distribution pipes 20include vapor release ports 26 at various locations to allow thevaporized deodorant to be delivered to the malodorous area 5. At leastone end cap 24 may be provided to seal off the ends of the distributionpipes and force the vapor through the ports.

The desired rate at which liquid deodorant is vaporized and delivered tothe malodorous area 5 will depend upon the particular application. Forexample, a landfill may require 0.4-0.5 gallons per hour of vaporizedliquid deodorant to neutralize malodors, while the digester tank of awastewater treatment plant may only require the delivery of 0.1-0.2gallons per hour to neutralize malodors. A variety of factors willdetermine whether the desired amount of liquid deodorant is actuallyvaporized by the system and delivered to the malodorous area. Thesefactors include the following:

the temperature of the air entering the system;

the humidity of the air entering the system;

the rate of air flowing through the system;

the droplet size produced by the nozzle; and

the volatility of the particular liquid deodorant to be vaporized.

The temperature and humidity of the air stream plays a large role indetermining the amount of liquid deodorant that will be vaporized intothe air stream and delivered to the malodorous area Relative humidity isthe amount of water vapor in the air compared with the amount of vaporneeded to make the air saturated at a the current air temperature. Thequantity of water that air can “hold” is dependent upon the temperatureof the air. Colder air is capable of “holding” less water vapor thanwarmer air. As the temperature of a unit of air drops, the relativehumidity of the unit of air will rise and the air will be able to holdless water. If the temperature drops to the dew-point (relative humidityof 100%), the air becomes saturated and condensation occurs.Accordingly, the present invention will vaporize less liquid deodorantper unit of air flowing through the system as the temperature decreasesand the relative humidity increases.

As the temperature decreases and the relative humidity of the airincreases, a greater quantity of air will need to flow through thesystem in order for the liquid deodorant to be vaporized at the desiredrate. In these situations, the blower must be capable of drawing airinto the system at a faster rate. In addition, vaporization of theliquid deodorant may also be encouraged by decreasing the size of theparticles sprayed from the nozzle. The specifications of the nozzle usedin the system will determine how small the particles sprayed from thenozzle will be. Increasing the pressure of the air forced through thenozzle will generally cause smaller particles to be sprayed from thenozzle.

FIGS. 11-13 show maximum vaporization rates for the system 10, dependingon the temperature and humidity of the air at a particular air streamflow rate. FIG. 11 displays the maximum vaporization rates when the airflow rate is 829 c.f.m., FIG. 12 shows the maximum vaporization rateswhen the air flow rate is 69 c.f.m., and FIG. 13 shows the maximumvaporization rates when the air flow rate is 1000 c.f.m. To calculate avaporization rate for a particular temperature in and relative humidity,the following formulas are used:

First, the actual vapor pressure (P) is calculated in Pascals,

P=(C*10^((7.5*Tdc/(237.7+Tdc)))*100;

Next, the vapor density (D) is calculated in Kg/m³,

D=P/(T _(k) +R _(w));

Finally, the gallons per hour vaporized (G_(v)) is calculated,

G _(v) =D*F*60/133;

where C=the system coefficient (which is a function of nozzle type,nozzle air pressure, ground elevation where the system is located, andvolatility of the liquid deodorant being vaporized), T_(dc) is the dewpoint temperature in degrees Celsius, T_(k) is the air temperature indegrees Kelvin, R_(w) is the gas constant for water vapor (461.5J/kg*Kelvin), and F=the air stream flow rate. Each of the charts shownin FIGS. 11-13 assume that the system coefficient is 4.0, which iscommon for a typical nozzle receiving 30 psi of air pressure from theair pump and distributing a liquid deodorant with a typical volatility,such as ECOSORB®. If higher liquid deodorant rates are desired at aparticular air flow rate, the system coefficient must be increased. Thismay be easily accomplished by increasing the nozzle air pressure, butthe nozzle pressure may only be increased as high as the maximum airpressure allowed by the nozzle specifications.

Operation of the vapor distribution system 10 may be triggered by manualor automatic control. For automatic control, an electronic controlsystem is used having at least one sensing instrument for measuring anexternal condition such as time, atmospheric pressure, temperature,humidity, wind direction, wind velocity, etc. The electronic controlsystem receives information from the sensing instrument and enables ordisables the vapor distribution system 10 based upon external conditionsmeeting a prescribed criteria. For example, the electronic controlsystem may trigger operation of the vapor distribution system 10 whenthe winds are blowing from the east or north, but disable the vapordistribution system 10 when the winds are blowing from the west orsouth.

The vapor distribution system 10 is enabled upon activation of thepressure blower 18 which draws untreated air into the air intake port12. The air drawn into the air intake port 12 creates an air streamwithin the vapor distribution system 10. The air stream is passedthrough the air filter 28 to remove particulate matter from the airstream that could be damaging to the system. Next, the air stream entersthe treatment chamber 14 where a mist of liquid deodorant is sprayedinto the air stream from the nozzle 22. The air stream then passesthrough the chamber inlet 52 and into the vaporization chamber 16.

Much of the liquid deodorant distributed to the vaporization chamber 16will be vaporized within the vaporization chamber. Remainingun-vaporized particles of liquid deodorant form on the vaporizationchamber side wall 64 and fall to the chamber floor 62. The un-vaporizedliquid deodorant eventually returns to the deodorant reservoir 32 asgravity draws the deodorant to the chamber floor 62, down the incline ofthe chamber floor 62, through the chamber inlet 52 and into thedeodorant reservoir 32. The air stream exiting the vaporization chamber16 contains treated air comprised of fresh ambient air and vaporizeddeodorant along with a small portion of tiny suspended particles ofliquid deodorant.

Treated air flows up through the vaporization chamber outlet 52 and isrouted by air ducts 17 to the pressure blower 18. The treated air isdrawn to the fan of the pressure blower 18, passes through the fan ofthe pressure blower, and is then forcibly pushed through thedistribution pipes 20 and out the vapor release ports 26 to condition anodor source 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the odor source 5 might be an opentank 70, such as sewage treatment plant tank, and the distribution pipes20 may be deployed along and around the perimeter of the open tank 70 togenerate an air curtain of vaporized deodorant around the odor source 5.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6-10. Inthis embodiment of the invention, the vaporization chamber is vertical,rather than horizontal. The vertical vaporization chamber can beparticularly useful if the system must be installed in a small areawhere a horizontal vaporization chamber will not fit. Referring to FIGS.7-9, the vaporization chamber 16 includes a chamber floor 62 and achamber ceiling 66 with a cylindrical sidewall 64 defined between thechamber floor and the chamber ceiling. The air intake port 12 isconnected directly to the vaporization chamber sidewall 64 near thechamber floor 62 to form the vaporization chamber inlet. 52.Diametrically opposed to the chamber inlet 52 is the chamber outlet 68,or outlet port, which connects to the air duct 17.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9, no treatment chamber is required in thisembodiment of the invention because the liquid deodorant reservoir 32and nozzle 22 are both held within the vaporization chamber 16. Theliquid deodorant reservoir 32 is formed by the chamber floor 62 andsidewall 64, such that the upper liquid surface line 33 never reachesthe chamber inlet 52 or chamber outlet 68. As with the previouslydescribed embodiment, a product maintenance device 54 keeps thedeodorant level substantially constant at the upper liquid surface line33. The product maintenance device is controlled by a float 56 andelectric switch system which automatically operates an electric supplyline valve to maintain the liquid in the reservoir at a desired level. Adrain spigot 42 and supply tube 48 entrance is also provided in thesidewall 64 of vaporization chamber 16.

While the liquid deodorant reservoir 32 rests slightly below the chamberinlet 52 and chamber outlet 68, the nozzle 22 is held slightly above thechamber inlet 52 and chamber outlet 68 by a bracket (not shown). Thenozzle 22 is directed with its tip 23 pointed upward toward the chamberceiling 66. The nozzle 22 is hooked to an air supply line 46 whichextends through sidewall 64 and provides pressurized air to the nozzle.If a metering pump is being used to deliver liquid deodorizer from theproduct reservoir to the nozzle, the nozzle will be connected to a pumptube 61 which extends through sidewall 64, as shown in FIG. 8. If asiphoning nozzle is being used to deliver liquid deodorizer from theproduct reservoir, a siphoning tube 60 will be connected to the nozzle,as shown in FIG. 9. A door 72 is provided on the vertical vaporizationchamber 16 to provide easy access to the nozzle 22.

The vertical vaporization chamber is characterized by an air-flow end 80and a closed end 82. The air-flow end 80 of the vaporization chamberincludes the chamber inlet 52, the chamber outlet 68, and the productreservoir 32, all positioned beneath the nozzle 22. The air flowing intothe vaporization chamber at the chamber inlet 52 generally flowsdirectly across the chamber and out the chamber outlet 68. Accordingly,the air stream that flows within the system does not flow lengthwisethrough the vaporization chamber, but diametrically across the width ofthe vaporization chamber 16.

The closed end 82 of the vaporization chamber is simply an enclosedvolume above the nozzle 22 which receives atomized particles of liquiddeodorant from the nozzle. The closed end 82 of the vaporization chamberprovides a space for rapid liquid deodorant vaporization apart from themain air stream of the system. Accordingly, non-vaporized liquiddeodorant does not need to be inserted directly into the system airstream. A large portion of atomized particles sprayed from the nozzle 22vaporize in the closed end 82 of the vaporization chamber. This vapor isthen drawn through the chamber outlet 68 and into the air stream as theair stream flows through the vaporization chamber 16. Particles that donot vaporize tend to condense on the sidewall of the vaporizationchamber. These liquid deodorant particles flow by gravity toward the airflow end 80 of the vaporization chamber and return to the liquiddeodorant reservoir 32.

The operation of the alternative embodiment with a vertical vaporizationchamber is similar to that of the previously described embodiment. Airis drawn into the system through the air intake port 12 by pressureblower 18. The air drawn into the air intake port 12 creates an airstream within the vapor distribution system 10. The air stream is passedthrough the air filter 28 to remove particulate matter from the airstream that could be damaging to the system. Next, the air stream entersthe vaporization chamber 14 and passes under the nozzle.22. The airflowing through the vaporization chamber draws vaporized liquiddeodorant from the closed end 82 of the vaporization chamber. Thevaporized liquid deodorant mixes with the air stream to create a treatedair stream flowing out of the vaporization chamber 16.

Treated air flows up through the vaporization chamber outlet 52 and isrouted by air ducts 17 to the pressure blower 18. The treated air isdrawn to the fan of the pressure blower 18, passes through the fan ofthe pressure blower, and is then forcibly pushed through thedistribution pipes 20 and out the vapor release ports 26 to condition anodor source 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the odor source 5 might be an opentank, such as sewage treatment plant tank, and the distribution pipes 20may be deployed along and around the perimeter of the open tank 70 togenerate an air curtain of vaporized deodorant around the odor source 5.

Another alternative embodiment of the vapor distribution system of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 14. The embodiment shown in FIG. 14is called the “shear method” system and is similar to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 6-10, with variations as described below. According tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the vapor distribution system 100includes a vaporization chamber 116 having a chamber floor 162 and achamber ceiling 166 with a cylindrical sidewall 164 defined between thechamber wall and the chamber ceiling. The vaporization chamber inlet 152is located on the middle portion of the vaporization chamber sidewall164. Diametrically opposed to the chamber inlet is the chamber outlet168, which connects to an exit air duct 117.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-10, the shear method does notrequire a treatment chamber, because the nozzle 122 is held within thevaporization chamber 116. The nozzle 122 is held within the chamberceiling 166 and, unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-10, the nozzleis directed with its tip pointed downward toward the chamber floor 162.The nozzle 122 is hooked to an air supply line (not shown) which entersthe vaporization chamber through the chamber top 167 and providespressurized air to the nozzle 122. A liquid product tube (not shown) isalso connected to the nozzle 122 for providing liquid deodorizer from aproduct reservoir (not shown) to the nozzle. The product reservoir maybe positioned above the vaporization chamber 116 or situated to the sideof the vaporization chamber. Because of the arrangement of thevaporization chamber using the “shear method,” a much smallervaporization chamber may be used.

A blower (not shown) causes fresh, unsaturated air to be drawn into thevaporization chamber 116 through the air inlet 152. The air drawn intothe chamber 116 through inlet 152 travels through the chamber and exitsthrough the chamber outlet 168, where it is delivered to the air duct117 and eventually to vapor release ports (not shown). The passage ofair from the chamber inlet 152 to the chamber outlet 168 creates an airstream within the chamber 116 flowing from the air inlet 152 to thechamber outlet 168. The nozzle 122 sprays liquid deodorizer from thechamber ceiling 166 toward the chamber floor 162. When the liquiddeodorizer spray 169 crosses the air stream, it is sheared by the airstream and directed through the chamber outlet 168 and into the air duct117 along with the air stream. Because of this shearing effect of theair stream, the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is known as the “shearmethod.”

If the air stream flowing through the vaporization chamber 116 does nothave the capacity to hold all of the atomized liquid deodorizer sprayedfrom the nozzle 122, some condensation will occur, and a small amount ofliquid deodorizer will collect on the chamber floor 162. Liquiddeodorizer that accumulates on the chamber floor 162 will naturallyevaporate into the air above the chamber floor. This air containingevaporated liquid deodorizer is also drawn out of the chamber outlet 168and into the air duct 117 as the air stream flows through the chamber116. Fresh air from the air stream continually drifts into the chamber116 to fill the chamber and replace any air exiting the chamber 116.

While the shear method provides for a much smaller vaporization chamber,it does not provide any solution for increasing the ability of the airstream to vaporize liquid deodorizer so that increased liquid deodorizermay be held by the air stream. Thus, the shear method is designed forthose applications where condensation is not likely to occur. In otherwords, the shear method is designed for applications where only smallamounts of liquid deodorizer need to be consumed and the temperature andhumidity of the air stream are relatively consistent. Consumption ofliquid deodorizer using the shear method is typically between 0.05 and0.20 gallons per hour when the temperature of the air stream does notfall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

All of the above-described embodiments may be used on a wide varietyapplications. For example, the odor source 5 shown in FIGS. 5 and 10might also be a garbage dump, in which case one or more distributionpipes are placed around or across the top of the dump to neutralize ormask the dump odor. Alternatively, the malodorous source might be theodor-producing structures of a waste treatment plant having digester andclarifier tanks. Other applications for the present invention include,but are not limited to, energy producing facilities, compostingfacilities, water treatment plants, asphalt plants, steel foundries,lift station scrubbers, pig farms or any other odor producingfacilities, including positive collection or internal treatment systemshaving chemical scrubbers.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shownin certain preferred embodiments or modifications which it has assumedin practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, norshould it be deemed to be, limited thereby. For example, the describedinvention could be modified to cause the blower to push air through thevaporization chamber rather than draw air through the vaporizationchamber. In some applications, the blower may not even be requiredbecause the vapors may be drawn from the vapor chamber under a vacuumproduced by on-location air handling fans. In these applications, pipingis used to connect the outlet of the vaporization chamber to the inletside of an exhaust system, thereby creating a negative pressure at theoutlet of the vaporization chamber and drawing air through the system.Other embodiments may completely remove the air pump which providespressurized air to the nozzle because pressurized air is available froman alternative source. Still more embodiments may include a systemwherein malodorous air, such as an industrial exhaust stream, is drawninto the system through the air inlet port, and the malodorous air ismixed with the vaporized liquid deodorant within the system rather thandistributing the vaporized liquid deodorant to the malodor outside ofthe system. In other embodiments, the atomizing nozzle may be positionedon a floating platform within the vaporizing chamber in order tomaintain a constant distance between the nozzle and the level of liquiddeodorant within the product reservoir portion of the vaporizingchamber. This arrangement is helpful when the vapor chamber is locatedinside a sewer lift station that is filled manually with product on aperiodic basis. Other modifications are possible and the scope of thepresent invention is not intended to be, nor should be, limited by theembodiment described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vapor delivery system for neutralizing malodorsin a malodorous area, the vapor delivery system comprising: a. avaporization chamber having a sidewall positioned between a chamberceiling and a chamber floor, the sidewall including an intake portpositioned on the sidewall substantially diametrically opposed to anoutlet port also positioned on the sidewall, the intake port and outletport allowing the stream of air to enter said vaporization chamberthrough said intake port and exit said vaporization chamber through saidoutlet port, said vaporization chamber otherwise being enclosed with noobstructions positioned between the intake port and the outlet port; b.at least one nozzle having a spray tip directed toward said chamberfloor, said at least one nozzle receiving a stream of liquid to allowsaid nozzle to deliver an atomized spray of liquid into saidvaporization chamber, said atomized liquid being vaporized in thevaporization chamber and incorporated in said stream of air to create astream of treated air; and c. a distribution system communicating withsaid outlet port for delivering said stream of treated air to themalodorous area, said distribution system having at least one vaporrelease port for releasing said treated air stream to the malodorousarea.
 2. The vapor delivery system of claim 1 wherein said air intakeport communicates with an air filter for removing air bound particlesfrom said air stream before entering said vaporization chamber.
 3. Thevapor delivery system of claim 1 wherein said spray tip of said nozzleis positioned in said chamber ceiling.
 4. The vapor delivery system ofclaim 1 further comprising a blower connected between said chamberoutlet port and said distribution system, said blower operable to drawsaid stream of air into said air intake port and push said stream oftreated air through said distribution system.
 5. The vapor deliverysystem of claim 1 wherein the spray tip is arranged and disposed todeliver the atomized spray of liquid in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the stream of air traveling between the inlet port andthe outlet port in the vaporization chamber.
 6. The vapor deliverysystem of claim 5 wherein the spray tip is arranged and disposed abovethe inlet port and the outlet port in the vaporization chamber.
 7. Amethod of neutralizing malodors comprising the steps of: a. providing anenclosed vaporization chamber having a chamber wall positioned between achamber ceiling and a chamber floor, the chamber wall having an intakeport and a diametrically opposed outlet port having no obstructionspositioned therebetween for effecting circulation of air within theenclosed vaporization chamber; b. drawing a stream of ambient air notreceived from an exhaust stream through said intake port and into saidvaporization chamber such that the stream of ambient air travels throughthe vaporization chamber from the intake port to the diametricallyopposed outlet port; c. spraying an atomized liquid deodorant into saidvaporization chamber through a nozzle having a spray tip; d. bringingsaid stream of ambient air into contact with said atomized liquiddeodorant in said vaporization chamber so that said liquid vaporizesinto said stream of ambient air to create a stream of treated airleaving the vaporization chamber; and e. delivering said stream oftreated air through said outlet port to a distribution system having atleast one vapor release port for releasing said stream of treated airfrom said distribution system.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein thespray tip of the nozzle sprays liquid deodorant toward said chamberfloor.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the spray tip of the nozzle ispositioned above the intake port and the outlet port in the vaporizationchamber.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the spray tip of the nozzlesprays liquid deodorant from the nozzle in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the stream of ambient air traveling throughvaporization chamber from the intake port to the diametrically opposedoutlet port.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein the spray tip of thenozzle sprays liquid deodorant toward said chamber ceiling.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the spray tip of the nozzle is positionedabove the intake port and the outlet port in the vaporization chamber.13. The method of claim 12 wherein the spray tip of the nozzle spraysliquid deodorant from the nozzle in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the stream of ambient air traveling throughvaporization chamber from the intake port to the diametrically opposedoutlet port.
 14. A vapor delivery system for neutralizing malodors in amalodorous area, the vapor delivery system comprising: a. a vaporizationchamber for vaporizing a liquid in a stream of ambient air beforedelivery of the liquid to the malodorous area located outside of thevaporization chamber, the vaporization chamber having a sidewallpositioned between a chamber ceiling and a chamber floor, the sidewallincluding an intake port positioned on the sidewall substantiallydiametrically opposed to an outlet port also positioned on the sidewall,the intake port positioned to receive the stream of ambient air notreceived from an exhaust stream, the intake port and outlet port havingno obstructions therebetween for effecting the circulation of the streamof ambient air within the vaporization chamber, thereby allowing thestream of air to enter said vaporization chamber through said intakeport and exit said vaporization chamber through said outlet port, saidvaporization chamber otherwise being enclosed; b. at least one nozzlehaving a spray tip directed toward said chamber ceiling, said at leastone nozzle receiving a stream of liquid to allow said nozzle to deliveran atomized spray of liquid into said vaporization chamber, saidatomized liquid being vaporized in the vaporization chamber andincorporated in said stream of air to create a stream of treated air;and c. a distribution system communicating with said outlet port fordelivering said stream of treated air to the malodorous area, saiddistribution system having at least one vapor release port for releasingsaid treated air stream to the malodorous area.
 15. The vapor deliverysystem of claim 14 wherein said air intake port communicates with an airfilter for removing air bound particles from said air stream beforeentering said vaporization chamber.
 16. The vapor delivery system ofclaim 14 further comprising a blower connected between said chamberoutlet port and said distribution system, said blower operable to drawsaid stream of air into said air intake port and push said stream oftreated air through said distribution system.
 17. The vapor deliverysystem of claim 14 wherein the spray tip is arranged and disposed todeliver the atomized spray of liquid in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the stream of air traveling between the inlet port andthe outlet port in the vaporization chamber.
 18. The vapor deliverysystem of claim 17 wherein the spray tip is arranged and disposed abovethe inlet port and the outlet port in the vaporization chamber.